TEMPTING PROVIDENCE. 35 



way, we had noticed during the day the fresh footprints of 

 a tiger. But 



" Inspiring bold John Barleycorn, 

 What dangers thou canst make us scorn ! 

 Wi' tippenny, we fear nae evil ; 

 Wi' usquabae we'll face the devil ! " 



Consequently we thought little of tigers, malaria, or anything 

 else, and were soon wrapt in profound slumber. 



On awaking in the morning, we found ourselves enveloped 

 in a cold damp fog, through which we could scarcely see 

 twenty yards, and with our outer coverings and even our hair 

 saturated with moisture. Being down in this hot humid 

 valley at all in September, about the worst time of year 

 for malaria, was tempting Providence, as I learnt from sub- 

 sequent experience. But we were young and thoughtless, 

 caring little for any risk so long as there was a chance of 

 sport. 



Having shaken ourselves up, we performed our ablutions 

 in the river, which ran within a few paces of our sandy couch. 

 After a cup of tea and a biscuit, we started each to our re- 

 spective work ; my companion electing to try his luck at the 

 river, whilst I, wishing him " a tight line," took the hill after 

 deer. Owing to the thickness of the undergrowth and the 

 dense mist, there was very little chance of seeing game, al- 

 though the fresh tracks of jurrow were numerous. And when 

 the mist was dispelled by the rising sun, the sweltering heat 

 was so oppressive as to make climbing about the steep jungly 

 hillsides, in such close steamy atmosphere, next thing to im- 

 possible, not to mention the attacks of myriads of biting 

 insects. On returning I found my hungry chum clamour- 

 ing for a late breakfast, and much disgusted at having lost a 

 very heavy fish after he had run it for about half an hour. 



In the cool of the evening we were both at the water again. 

 After trying flies and trolling baits all to no purpose, we were 



